Taoiseach to meet incoming European Council President António Costa in Dublin
- Published on: 29 October 2024
- Last updated on: 12 April 2025
Taoiseach Simon Harris will welcome the incoming President of the European Council, António Costa, to Ireland this morning.
Costa is in Dublin as part of his tour of European capitals prior to taking up his new position on 1 December 2024.
Ahead of the meeting the Taoiseach said:
"António Costa will play a pivotal role in EU and global affairs in the years ahead. He is well known to Ireland but today’s meeting gives me the opportunity to raise the major challenges and opportunities on Ireland’s agenda.”
The Taoiseach said the ongoing conflict in the Middle East will feature prominently in their discussions at Farmleigh House:
“Ireland’s voice has been resolute at the European Council, the conflict and death in the Middle East has to stop. I will raise the EU using all levers at our disposal to bring about a ceasefire, the release of hostages and urgent aid corridors.
“Unfortunately we meet the day after Israel voted for a horrific escalation in suffering by effectively banning UNRWA - the vital aid pipeline into Gaza and the occupied territories.
“I strongly condemn the passage of the legislation in the Israeli Knesset. If implemented, it will make it impossible for UNRWA to carry out its vital role across the region. If UNRWA cannot carry out its mission, more innocent people will die.”
ENDS